The Port Alberni RCMP are reminding residents that electric dirt bikes, also known as e-dirt bikes, cannot be ridden on public roads in British Columbia. The warning, shared on the detachment’s Facebook page, comes as more people, especially youth, are seen using these high-powered machines in town.
Under the BC Motor Assisted Cycle (E-Bike) Regulation, a legal e-bike must have working pedals and a motor no stronger than 500 watts. Its top speed cannot go past 32 km/h. E-dirt bikes don’t have pedals and can reach speeds up to 110 km/h with power as high as 22,000 watts. This puts them far outside the limits, so they are treated the same as unlicensed motorcycles on the road.
Riders who get caught on public streets, sidewalks, or bike lanes face a stack of fines. Police can issue a $598 ticket for no insurance, $276 for driving without a license plus three demerit points, $138 for not wearing a helmet plus two demerit points, and $368 for driving without due care plus six demerit points. The RCMP can also seize the bike and have it impounded.
It is legal to own an e-dirt bike and ride it on private property or designated off-road trails, but not on any public space. The RCMP say many parents are buying these bikes for their kids without knowing the rules. Brands like Sur-Ron and Talaria are often the ones showing up, and officers want families to check the law before making a purchase.
This is not just a local issue. Detachments across the province, including in Coquitlam and North Vancouver, have been doing enforcement. On June 22, 2026, Coquitlam RCMP seized four e-dirt bikes and handed out tickets when youths were racing on the road. Since May 14, 2026, North Vancouver RCMP have given 15 tickets for e-mobility offences.
The Port Alberni RCMP are asking anyone who sees unsafe riding to contact them. They hope that by sharing the rules, people can avoid fines and stay safe.
